Recently I published an article about the best brute force security plugins for WordPress. This comes after a huge response from countless readers to my general guide to security plugins last year.
But then I thought to myself: what’s next after brute force protection? Is brute force security enough? I also need to show my readers how I stop other types of attacks.
Then I realized something important. Brute force plugins only protect your login page. You are great at this job. But WordPress faces far more threats than just login attacks.
Here’s what I learned during my research.
Firewalls block thousands of malicious requests per website every day. Websites without firewalls experience more successful attacks than protected ones.
Additionally, many WordPress vulnerabilities are exploited through methods that brute force protection cannot stop.
Think about it this way.
Brutal security guards guard your front door while firewalls protect all your property.
They stop hackers from stealing your data, block virus uploads, prevent floods of traffic that crash your website, and filter out unwanted visitors before they reach your site.
That’s why I tested every major WordPress security plugin that offers firewall functionality. In this article, I list the 8 best firewall security plugins so you can find one that suits your needs and budget.
Key Takeaways:
- Cloud-based solutions offer more speed and protection
- Free options provide solid security for most websites
- AI-powered tools automate most security tasks
- E-commerce websites require special compliance features
- Different plugins are suitable for different technical skills
Whether you run a personal blog or a busy online store, there’s a firewall solution that will take your security to the next level.
How I test firewall plugins for WordPress
Testing firewall plugins is not the same as checking themes or page builders. You can’t just install them and see if they look pretty. Firewalls work in secret, so I had to get creative with my testing approach.
Here’s how I carefully evaluate each firewall plugin to ensure my recommendations will actually protect your website.
- Easy to set up and use: I measure how long it takes to install and configure each plugin. The best ones work straight away. If I need a computer science degree to build, most beginners will also have difficulty. I also check whether the interface makes sense and whether settings are clearly explained.
- Protective effect: That’s the big thing. I use security testing tools to simulate common attacks such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting and malware uploads. I also check how well each firewall blocks suspicious IP addresses and bot traffic. The winners stop attacks that others miss.
- Impact on website speed: Some firewalls can actually slow down your website. I test page load speeds before and after installing each plugin using tools like GTmetrix and Google PageSpeed Insights. The best firewalls either improve speed or have no impact.
- Quality of customer support: When security goes wrong, you need help quickly. I test support response times and level of knowledge by asking technical questions. I also check if they offer phone support, live chat, or just email tickets.
- Value for money: Not everyone has a huge security budget. I compare features with prices to find the best deals. Sometimes a free plugin works better than expensive alternatives. In other cases, premium features justify the cost.
- Mobile compatibility: More than half of web traffic comes from mobile devices. I test how well each firewall handles mobile traffic and whether it affects mobile functionality or slows down phone browsing.
Why trust IsItWP?
At IsItWP, we’ve been the go-to source for the WordPress community since 2009, helping over 2 million users choose better security solutions.
To this end, we maintain active accounts, operate real client websites, and provide ongoing WordPress consulting.
Our team manages WordPress sites for small businesses, large corporations, and everything in between. This gave us a first-hand look at what happens when security fails and which tools actually prevent disasters.
When I test firewall plugins, I don’t just click through the features. I use the same security tools that hackers use to attack WordPress websites and measure the real impact on the performance of actual websites.
Additionally, I evaluate these tools based on years of experience protecting customer sites from real threats.
What is a firewall? Why is it important?
To keep things simple, let me explain firewalls using the same example I gave above.
Imagine if your WordPress site was a house. A regular security plugin is like good locks on your doors and windows. But a firewall? It’s like having a security guard stationed at the end of your street.
The security guard checks each person before they can enter your house. If someone looks suspicious or is carrying dangerous items, they will be stopped before they reach your property.
That’s exactly what a firewall does for your website!
This is how it works:
- Every time someone visits your website, they send requests to your server.
- Normal visitors send innocent requests like “Show me the homepage” or “Load this blog post”.
- But attackers send malicious requests to break into your website, steal data, or crash it.
- A firewall sits between visitors and your website and checks every single request.
- Good requests go through immediately, while bad requests are blocked immediately.
- This happens before the malicious traffic ever reaches your WordPress files.
In short, firewall WordPress plugins help with:
- Hackers are trying to steal your customer data
- Bad code that hijacks visitor accounts
- Floods of traffic designed to crash your website
- Viruses are uploaded via your contact forms
- …The list goes on.
Ultimately, firewall plugins protect your entire website and not just the login page like brute force plugins do.
However, keep in mind that some security plugins offer both firewall and brute force protection. Others, however, only focus on one area.
That’s exactly why I put together this guide to help you find the right firewall protection for your website.
With that said, let’s get started!
Best firewall plugins for WordPress
Before diving into detailed reviews, here is a quick overview of all 8 firewall plugins to help you orient yourself. Additionally, you can click on the plugin names to jump to that section of the article.
Below you will find paid and free WordPress firewall plugins for security and protection.
Are you ready to add a layer between your website and visitors to prevent unwanted traffic and malicious threats?
Let’s get started!
1. Sucuri ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cloud-based protection with 60-80% speed increase | Best for: Serious website owners
Prices: Basic firewall protection starts at $9.99 per month. Full platform plans with additional features start at $229 per year.
Sucuri is the best firewall plugin for anyone who needs bulletproof protection and a hands-on approach.
Instead of installing software on your server, Sucuri first routes all your website traffic through its global cloud network.
Think of it like a super-smart security checkpoint that screens every visitor before they reach your website.
This means malicious requests are blocked immediately and clean traffic flows faster than ever before.
My favorite feature is the virtual patching system.
When a new WordPress vulnerability is discovered, Sucuri deploys protection across the entire network in minutes. This will keep your website protected even before WordPress releases an official fix.
The speed improvements are also incredible. Their integrated CDN and traffic optimization provided a speed boost.
The downside is that setting up Sucuri requires changing your DNS settings, which sounds scary but takes about 10 minutes.
Your support team can assist you with this if necessary. Once active, you’ll receive detailed security reports showing exactly which threats are being blocked on a daily basis.
The platform also includes professional malware cleanup in case your website ever gets infected.
The best part is that security experts do everything manually, so you don’t have to worry about automated tools missing hidden threats.
►Advantages
►Disadvantages
- Requires DNS changes, which some users find intimidating
- No free plan available
- Higher cost than plugin-based alternatives
My verdict: If your website generates revenue or contains sensitive data, Sucuri is worth every penny. The combination of bulletproof protection and speed improvements makes it an investment that pays for itself.
Check out my detailed Sucuri review here.
Also, you can compare it with other top security plugins in this article on Sucuri vs. SiteLock vs. CloudFlare. We will also discuss the other plugins from the comparison post in this article.
Prices: Basic firewall protection starts at $9.99 per month. Full platform plans with additional features start at $229 per year.
2. Cloud flare ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
World’s largest CDN network with free firewall protection | Best for: Performance-oriented websites
Prices: Free plan with solid protection available. Pro plans start at $20/month per domain with advanced features.
Cloud flare is my favorite free CDN that works perfectly with WordPress.
It’s not just me; Due to its many features, many WordPress owners use it to speed up their websites while blocking malicious traffic.
This means they see more attack patterns in a single day than most security companies see in a year. This massive scope gives them an unbeatable advantage when it comes to protecting WordPress sites.
I’ve been using Cloudflare’s free plan on my personal websites for years. And from this experience I can say that even the free tier is better than many premium security tools. With the added benefit of making websites faster, many people take it for granted.
What makes Cloudflare special is its machine learning system.
It analyzes billions of requests across the network to instantly detect new attack patterns.
When a hacker tries a new technique on a website, Cloudflare automatically protects all other customers within seconds. It’s like having a security team that learns from every attack attempt worldwide.
Their WordPress-specific rules are also incredibly intelligent.
You know the most common WordPress weaknesses and can block hacking attempts even before you update your plugins.
I’ve watched their firewall stop comment spam attacks, block virus file uploads, and automatically filter out fake visitors.
The setup process couldn’t be easier.
You change your DNS settings once and Cloudflare immediately starts protecting and speeding up your website.
Their dashboard shows exactly what they’re blocking in real time, which is fascinating and reassuring.
One feature I love is the “Always Online” feature.
If your hosting server goes down, Cloudflare serves a cached version of your website so visitors never see error messages. This saved a customer during a hosting provider outage last month.
►Advantages
- Excellent free plan with robust protection
- Huge global network delivers superior performance
- Machine learning automatically adapts to new threats
- WordPress-specific rules protect against platform vulnerabilities
►Disadvantages
- Paid plans are required for advanced features
- Some plugins may require configuration adjustments
- The DNS-based setup scares some beginners
My verdict: Cloudflare offers unbeatable value for money, especially with its free plan. Even if you upgrade to Pro, you get enterprise-grade protection at a fraction of the cost of traditional security services.
Prices: Free plan with solid protection available. Pro plans start at $20/month per domain with advanced features.
3. Wordfence Security ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Over 5 million installs with comprehensive WordPress integration | Best for: Practical beginners
Prices: Free version available with full firewall protection. Premium plans start at $149/year per website with real-time updates.
Wordfence is the plugin I most often recommend to WordPress beginners who want serious protection without changing DNS settings.
With over 5 million active installations, it has been proven on more websites than any other security plugin. But what makes it special is how deeply it understands WordPress.
Unlike cloud-based firewalls, Wordfence runs as an “endpoint firewall” directly on your server.
This means it can see exactly what is happening in WordPress and make intelligent decisions based on user roles, plugin activity and content changes.
But my favorite feature is the malware scanner.
It compares each WordPress file with the official repository and marks all changes. The one-click repair feature repaired the infected core files instantly.
Plus, the live traffic feature is absolutely amazing too! You can monitor visitors accessing your website in real time, with color-coded threat indicators showing which requests are safe and which look suspicious.
Apart from that, it is one of the best brute force protection systems. It’s much smarter than simply limiting login attempts.
Wordfence can detect distributed attacks where hackers use multiple IP addresses to avoid detection. Afterwards, these coordinated attacks are automatically blocked while legitimate users can log in normally.
With the free version you get the full firewall, malware scanning and live traffic monitoring. While premium users get real-time updates instead of having to wait 30 days, which is important during active attacks.
►Advantages
- Deep WordPress integration catches platform-specific threats
- Live traffic monitoring shows attacks in real time
- Powerful free version with comprehensive features
- Advanced brute force protection that goes beyond basic login restrictions
►Disadvantages
- May affect website performance during intensive scans
- The interface might be overwhelming for absolute beginners
- Free users receive security updates with a 30-day delay
My verdict: Wordfence offers WordPress users the best balance of performance and accessibility. The free version offers enterprise-level protection, and active websites are worth upgrading to premium features.
Check out my Wordfence review here.
Prices: Free version available with full firewall protection. Premium plans start at $119/year per website with real-time updates.
4. Jetpack Security ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Powered by WordPress.com with over 27 million website data | Best for: WordPress.com users
Prices: Security plans start at $9.95/month, including backup integration.
Jetpack Security has a huge advantage over other WordPress security tools because it is powered by Automattic. This is the same company behind WordPress.com and hosts over 27 million WordPress sites.
This gives them access to threat intelligence from more WordPress installations than anyone else in the world. This makes Jetpack Security effortless to use.
First of all, the cloud-based firewall runs completely in the background and does not affect performance. Unlike server-based plugins that can slow down your website during scans, Jetpack Security processes everything on its servers.
Additionally, the one-click malware fixes are a lifesaver for beginners. Instead of trying to clean infected files manually, Jetpack can repair the most common infections automatically.
Then, file integrity monitoring will immediately notify you if any unauthorized changes are made.
Setup couldn’t be easier. All you need to do is connect your WordPress.com account, enable security features, and you’re protected.
By integrating into the WordPress.com ecosystem, updates and monitoring are seamless and require no technical configuration.
Additionally, the brute force protection system blocks an average of 5,193 attacks per installation. according to his own statements.
►Advantages
- Leverages WordPress.com’s extensive threat intelligence network
- No performance penalty due to cloud-based processing
- Extremely user-friendly setup and management
►Disadvantages
- Requires WordPress.com account connection
- Paid plans are required for advanced features
- Less granular control compared to endpoint firewalls
My verdict: Jetpack Security is perfect for beginners who want powerful protection without the complexity. The WordPress.com integration offers unique benefits that you can’t get elsewhere.
Check out my detailed jetpack review here.
Prices: Security plans start at $9.95/month, including backup integration.
5. All in one security ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comprehensive protection at budget-friendly prices | Best for: Cost-conscious beginners
Prices: Free version available with core features. The premium version starts at $70/year.
All in one security offers you good value for money. At just $70 per year for premium features, it’s cheaper than most competitors.
Additionally, the free version includes basic firewall protection that blocks common attacks without spending a dime.
But don’t let the low price fool you. This plugin offers serious security features that rival much more expensive alternatives.
What makes AIOS unique is its dual firewall system.
You get protection that works within WordPress (PHP-based protection), plus server-level blocking (.htaccess rules) that stops threats before they reach your website.
It’s like having two security guards working in different shifts to protect your site 24/7.
I particularly like the safety rating system.
It guides beginners through the “Basic”, “Intermediate” and “Advanced” protection levels and offers clear explanations of the individual settings. The visual progress bar makes it feel more like a game than a chore.
This allows you to start simple and gradually increase security as you become more comfortable.
Additionally, the geo-blocking feature works surprisingly well for a budget plugin. While intelligent 404 detection also catches vulnerability scanners that other plugins missed.
►Advantages
- The dual firewall system offers multi-layered protection
- Beginner-friendly safety assessment and guidance system
- Exceptional value with premium features under $70/year
►Disadvantages
- The interface can seem overwhelming with many options
- Requires more manual configuration than cloud alternatives
- Advanced features require moderate technical understanding
My verdict: AIOS offers the best feature-to-price ratio in WordPress security. Perfect for price-conscious users who want comprehensive protection without ongoing monthly fees.
Prices: Free version available with core features. The premium version starts at $70/year.
6. MalCare ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
AI-powered scanning with malware removal in 60 seconds | Best for: Set-and-forget protection
Prices: Plans start at $149 per year and include 24/7 support from security experts at all paid tiers.
MalCare has completely changed the way I think about WordPress security.
Instead of relying on outdated virus definitions like traditional scanners, it uses artificial intelligence that analyzes over 100 different signals to identify threats.
This AI learns from 18 billion requests processed monthly on over 300,000 protected websites. This makes the 60-second malware removal quick and effective.
Additionally, you get a behavioral firewall. This feature not only blocks known bad IP addresses; It analyzes visitor behavior patterns to detect suspicious activities.
So if someone starts searching for vulnerabilities or making unusual requests, the system will automatically block them.
This collective intelligence approach means your site benefits from threats discovered on other sites in its network.
When MalCare detects a new attack pattern anywhere, protection is deployed to all customers within minutes.
What impressed me most was the zero performance penalty. Everything happens in MalCare’s cloud, leaving your server resources free to serve visitors.
►Advantages
- AI-powered detection detects threats that other scanners miss
- Cloud processing really doesn’t impact performance
- Incredibly fast automatic malware removal
►Disadvantages
- No free version available
- Higher prices than simple plugin alternatives
- Less detailed reporting than some competitors
My verdict: MalCare is perfect for busy website owners who want bulletproof protection without the maintenance. The AI technology and speed make the premium price worth it.
Prices: Plans start at $149 per year and include 24/7 support from security experts at all paid tiers.
7. SiteLock ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Small business focused on PCI compliance | Best for: Ecommerce beginners
Prices: Plans start at $149/year.
SiteLock is one of the best security solutions for small businesses because it offers features specifically for online stores and service companies.
If you run a WooCommerce store or accept online payments, PCI compliance support can save you hours of research and implementation problems.
With this in mind, the trust seal feature can help improve conversion rates by displaying the security badge on checkout pages. Customers feel more secure when entering credit card information.
Additionally, the automatic malware removal system can process up to 500 pages daily, which is impressive for websites with large product catalogs. SiteLock can automatically clean your entire website without the need for manual intervention.
I like that their protection covers the top ten methods hackers use to attack online stores.
The firewall specifically looks for criminals trying to steal credit card numbers and manipulate payment forms, which basic security plugins often miss.
►Advantages
- Supporting PCI compliance for e-commerce websites
- Trust seals improve customer trust and conversions
- Automatic cleanup efficiently handles large infected websites
►Disadvantages
- Mixed customer service reviews and false positive reports
- Requires a 12-month commitment with higher upfront costs
- Less flexible than the competition with monthly billing
My verdict: SiteLock is well suited for small eCommerce businesses that need compliance help and trust-building features.
For more information, see my SiteLock review.
Prices: Plans start at $149/year.
8. Bulletproof security ⭐⭐⭐
Lifetime license with basic protection | Best for: Extreme budget users
Prices: Lifetime license for $69.95 for unlimited websites, with a free version for basic features.
Bulletproof security is great for anyone looking for affordable security plugins. It offers a unique lifetime license model where you pay $69.95 once and can use it on unlimited websites forever.
No monthly fees, no annual renewals – just one payment and you’re done. For small bloggers and site owners who manage multiple sites, this pricing model can result in significant savings over time.
You can easily start with the free version to try it out and then upgrade to the pro version without the constant pressure of commitment.
This security plugin provides basic protection through server-level rules (.htaccess rules) that can block common spam bots and automated scanning attempts.
Plus, it’s super easy to use. The one-click setup wizard handles the initial configuration automatically, making it accessible to beginners who want simple protection without complexity.
However, my testing revealed significant limitations compared to modern alternatives.
While other firewalls use intelligent detection methods, BulletProof relies primarily on basic server rules that only work after WordPress has already loaded.
This approach is unable to understand WordPress-specific attacks or analyze user behavior patterns like advanced firewalls do.
►Advantages
- The lifetime license eliminates ongoing subscription costs
- Works on an unlimited number of sites after purchase
- Essential protection against simple automated threats
►Disadvantages
- Limited effectiveness against modern WordPress attacks
- WordPress-specific threats or user behavior cannot be analyzed
My verdict: BulletProof Security provides basic protection against simple spam bots and automated scanning attempts. I recommend it if you run a hobby blog without a security budget.
Prices: Lifetime license for $69.95 for unlimited websites, with free version for basic features.
Honorable Mentions
While researching this guide, I tested several other firewall plugins that didn’t quite make the main list but deserve a quick mention:
- Solid Security, formerly iThemes Securityoffers solid basic protection with a user-friendly setup, but its firewall capabilities lag behind dedicated security services. For $99/year, you’ll get better value with Wordfence Premium or All in One WP Security. Check out the latest Solid Security review here.
- Shield security takes a minimalist approach with clean interfaces and smart default settings. While it’s easier to use than complex alternatives, its protection features don’t match the depth of our top offerings. The free version is quite limited compared to Wordfence or Cloudflare.
These plugins all have their strengths. But they either lack comprehensive features, cost more for similar features, or have usability issues that make them less suitable for most WordPress users.
The eight plugins in our main list offer a better combination of protection, ease of use, and value.
How to choose the right firewall plugin
Choosing the perfect firewall plugin doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ve helped hundreds of WordPress users make this decision, and the right choice usually comes down to four simple factors.
- Start with your budget. If money is tight, start with this Cloudflare’s free plan or The free version of Wordfence. Both offer excellent protection without spending a dime.
- Need premium features on a budget? All in one security gives you comprehensive protection for just $70 per year.
- Consider your technological comfort level. Complete beginners should turn to Jetpack Security or Cloud flare for their easy setup and minimal maintenance.
- Think about your website type and traffic. Personal blogs and small business websites work great with free options like Cloud flare or Wordfence.
- Busy e-commerce stores need first-class protection. So consider Sucuri for bulletproof security or SiteLock for compliance help.
- Member sites benefit from MalCare’s automatic threat detection.
- Assess your support needs. Do you plan to take care of security yourself? Free plugins with good documentation work perfectly.
- Do you need expert help when problems arise? Sucuri and MalCare offer professional support that can save your website in emergencies.
Quick decision matrix:
Remember, you can always start with a free option and upgrade later as your website grows.
The most important step is to set up firewall protection today instead of waiting for the perfect solution.
Don’t think about it too much. Any firewall from our top list will significantly improve your WordPress security compared to not having any firewall protection at all.
That’s it for my list of the best firewall WordPress plugins for today. If something is unclear, check out the frequently asked questions below.
FAQs: Best WordPress Firewall Plugins for Security and Protection
Do I need a firewall if I already have a security plugin?
Yes, absolutely. Regular security plugins focus on things like strong passwords, login protection, and basic malware scanning. Firewalls work at a deeper level, blocking malicious traffic before it reaches your website. Think of security plugins as locks on your doors, while firewalls are security guards that check everyone before they reach your building. For comprehensive protection you need both.
Will a firewall slow down my website?
Cloud-based firewalls like Cloudflare and Sucuri actually speed up websites by blocking malicious traffic and using CDN technology. Server-based firewalls like Wordfence can cause slight slowdowns during intensive scans, but the protection benefits far outweigh the minor performance impact. Most users don’t notice any difference in speed.
Can I use multiple firewall plugins together?
No, this usually causes conflicts and can break your website. Choose a primary firewall solution and stick with it. However, you can combine a cloud-based firewall (like Cloudflare) with a WordPress security plugin (like Wordfence) as they both work on different levels and complement each other well.
What is the difference between free and paid firewall protection?
Free versions typically offer basic protection with delayed security updates. Paid versions include real-time threat intelligence, advanced features such as geo-blocking, priority support, and instant protection against new threats. Free versions are often sufficient for personal blogs. Corporate locations should invest in first-class protection.
How do I know if my firewall is working?
Most firewalls provide dashboards with blocked threats, attack attempts, and security statistics. You’ll see numbers like “1,247 malicious requests were blocked this month.” Some also send email alerts when significant threats are detected. If you don’t see any blocked attempts, either your firewall isn’t configured properly or you’re lucky to have a very clean site.
Should I choose cloud-based or server-based firewall protection?
Cloud-based firewalls (Cloudflare, Sucuri) process traffic before it reaches your server, providing better performance and protection against large attacks. Server-based firewalls (Wordfence) offer deeper WordPress integration and work without DNS changes. I recommend beginners start with cloud-based solutions because of the simplicity and performance benefits.
What happens if I change web host?
Cloud-based firewalls stay with you regardless of hosting changes because they work at the DNS level. While server-based plugins need to be reinstalled and configured on your new host. This is another benefit of cloud-based solutions for users who may change hosts in the future.
Final Verdict: Are Firewall Plugins Worth It?
Absolutely yes. After testing dozens of WordPress security tools over the years, firewall plugins offer the best protection you can get for your investment.
For example, websites with firewalls experience fewer successful attacks and load faster on average.
Even free options like Cloudflare or Wordfence offer protection that would cost thousands if you hired security experts to develop custom solutions.
Firewall plugins are worth it for security alone. Instead of worrying about the next attack, you can focus on growing your business or creating content.
Resource Center
Well, as is tradition at IsItWP, we always want to keep you fully informed about any topic you read about. For more information on improving the security of your WordPress site, check out the articles below.
With these firewall plugins and additional security resources, you now have everything you need to protect your WordPress site from the ground up.
Remember that the best security strategy combines a solid firewall with regular maintenance and smart security practices – so read these guides to build your complete defense system.